Fixing Air Leakage in Connecticut Town Houses

After energy improvements were made to some town houses, a second look revealed big opportunities for energy and money savings.

Skyrocketing energy costs are driving the owners of many residential buildings to dig deeper than ever for energy-saving opportunities. Even in buildings that have undergone energy-related improvements in the past, it is possible to find previously missed opportunities—as was the case with one building located in rural Connecticut. Thanks to an owner/manager who agreed to cut access openings in a series of invasive inspections, and to funding provided by the gas and electric utilities, Steven Winter Associates, Incorporated (SWA), succeeded in finding and fixing an envelope problem that had previously gone undiscovered. Mill Pond Village is a 360-unit affordable housing development built in 1975 and located in Broad Brook, Connecticut. Owned and managed by Winn Companies, this property has undergone many improvements over the past few years, but energy costs continue to concern the company. Winn Companies is committed to providing high-quality housing for its low-income tenants. By purchasing properties in decline and investing in a wide range of improvements, Winn is able to bring new life to properties that would otherwise languish in neglect. In 2000, when Winn acquired this property, the buildings were in disrepair and crime was a serious problem. Winn’s initial investments went ...